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This easy fried polenta, also know as polenta frita in Portuguese or polenta fritta in Italian, has a crispy, crunchy exterior with a savory, salty, almost creamy interior. Oven bake, air fry or pan fry these super simple crispy polenta fries and serve them with your favorite marinara sauce for an easy snack or appetizer.


air fryer polenta fries in a pan.
air fryer polenta

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Baked, Air Fried or Pan Fried Polenta

If youโ€™ve never had fried polenta before, this is your sign to try it! Basically, if you love french fries, youโ€™re gonna love these polenta fries. Here are a few more reasons youโ€™ll love this recipe:

  • Crispy yet soft: the polenta is coated in lightly seasoned cornstarch and brushed with olive oil for the crispiest exterior while retaining a soft center!
  • Salty, savory, and perfect for dipping in sauces: serve this recipe with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or dairy free aioli. 
  • Air fried, oven baked, or shallow fried: this recipe can be made into polenta sticks, slices OR rounds that can be air fried, oven baked, or pan fried.

What is Polenta Frita?

Fried Polenta (polenta frita in Portuguese or polenta fritta in Italian) is an easy and delicious way to use up leftover polenta from the night before. Growing up in an Italian household we would frequently have pan fried or creamy polenta for dinner. The leftovers of the creamy polenta solidify in the fridge and can be sliced up to fry the next day. Yum! 

๐Ÿ’ก Did you know? While polenta has an Italian origin, fried polenta (or polenta frita) is also a popular snack in Brazil. 


ingredients for the air fryer polenta fries.
ingredients for fried polenta

Ingredients 

Fried polenta is incredibly easy to make and even easier if you use tubed polenta! This recipe will show you how to make fried polenta with both homemade polenta or the store-bought kind. 

Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll need to make it:

  • Pre-Cooked Polenta, either homemade or a store-bought polenta tube
  • Cornstarch, also called corn flour
  • All Purpose Flour
  • Garlic Powder
  • Dried Parsley or Basil
  • Oil, vegetable oil or olive oil

Substitutions & Add-ins

  • Dried Oregano: add in ยฝ tsp of other dried seasonings to taste.
  • Chili Powder or Smoked Paprika: add ยฝ tsp of these seasonings for more flavor!
  • Cornstarch: this can be swapped for potato starch or all-purpose flour.
  • All-Purpose Flour: the flour can be swapped for more cornstarch.
ingredients for polenta.
homemade polenta ingredients

For homemade polenta

Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll need to make polenta from scratch:

  • Water or Vegetable Stock
  • Salt
  • Olive Oil, or dairy free butter

pan fried, baked or air fried polenta sticks in a newspaper wrapping.
pan fried, baked or air fried polenta sticks

Helpful Equipment

  • Air Fryer, for air frying
  • Baking Sheet, for baking
  • Parchment Paper, for baking or air frying
  • Heavy Bottom Pot or Deep Frying Pan, for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

๐ŸŽฅ *Video Tutorial is Above the Recipe Card Below!*

To make homemade polenta:

STEP 1: Bring water or vegetable stock to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, add the salt and slowly pour the cornmeal in while whisking to prevent clumping.

cooking the polenta

STEP 2: Line a 9ร—9โ€ baking dish with parchment. Pour the cooked polenta in and smooth the top. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

STEP 3: Slice into polenta cakes, wedges, or rectangles like pictured below.

polenta in the baking pan.
polenta in the baking pan

To make fried polenta (polenta frita)

Cut the Polenta

STEP 1: Cut the tube of polenta in half lengthwise. Place the flat side down on the cutting board and cut into 7-8 long ยฝโ€ rectangles. Cut the rectangles in half to create ยฝโ€ x 3โ€ rectangles.

You can also cut the polenta into rounds, triangles, wedges, or thicker rectangles! 

slicing the polenta in the rectangular sticks.
slicing the polenta in the rectangular sticks

Coat in Cornstarch

STEP 2: In a shallow bowl stir together the cornstarch, flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried parsley or basil.

Lightly dust or coat the polenta rectangles in the cornstarch mixture. 

dusting the polenta in cornstarch.
dusting the polenta in cornstarch

To Make Air Fryer Polenta Fries

STEP 3: Line your air fryer tray or basket with parchment paper. Lay the polenta rectangles in the basket in a single layer. 

STEP 4: Coat generously with oil spray. Then, brush 1-2 tbsp of olive oil on all sides of the polenta. 

๐Ÿ“Œ TIP: Donโ€™t skip this step- it makes a big difference in the crispiness of the fries!

STEP 5: Air fry in the preheated air fryer for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway. The fries should be slightly golden brown and crispy when done. If the polenta is not at room temperature, it may need 3-5 more minutes to get crispy.

coating the polenta with olive oil.
coating the polenta with olive oil

How to Bake Polenta Fries

STEP 3: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Lay the polenta rectangles on the baking sheet in a single layer.

STEP 4: Spray generously with cooking spray. Then, brush 1-2 tbsp of olive oil on all sides of the polenta.

STEP 5: Bake in the preheated oven at 450F for 25-26 minutes, flipping halfway. The fries should be slightly golden and crispy when done. 

๐Ÿ“Œ TIP: if using parchment paper, make sure it is mostly covered with the polenta rectangles. Some brands of parchment will burn at high temperatures if too much surface area is exposed.

How to Pan Fry Polenta

STEP 3: Heat 1/2โ€ณ of oil in a heavy bottomed pot to 350ยฐF or 175ยฐC over medium heat.

๐Ÿ“Œ TIP: Itโ€™s the right temperature when small bubbles form around a wooden spoon or chopstick when placed in the oil.

STEP 4: Add the polenta rectangles to the oil in a single layer. Make sure the fries donโ€™t touch each other. 

STEP 5: Fry 2-3 minutes each side. The fries should have a somewhat โ€˜bubbledโ€™ exterior and should be slightly golden when ready.

STEP 6: Place the cooked fries on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to absorb the excess oil.


the crispy fried polenta in a newspaper wrapper.
the crispy fried polenta

Serving

This fried polenta is so good when hot and fresh out of the oven. Sprinkle on a bit of flaky salt and fresh basil or herbs for extra flavor!

Then, dip in your favorite sauces like homemade marinara sauce, sun-dried tomato pesto, dairy free aioli, or even ketchup.

Storage

You can store these fries in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, they are best served fresh, straight out of the oven, air fryer or frying pan! 

The stored polenta wonโ€™t be crispy and will have to be reheated.

Pro Tips

 Follow these simple tips for the best results and for crispy fries! 

  • Cooking time depends on the size of the polenta sticks: the larger the pieces, the longer the polenta will have to cook to get crispy. For polenta rounds or triangles, increase the baking or air frying time by 3-5 minutes.
  • Coat lightly in cornstarch: try not to apply too much cornstarch to the polenta. Too much cornstarch will give the fries a powdery texture.
  • Make sure to preheat the air fryer, oven, or oil: the key to extra crispy fried polenta is making sure the air fryer, oven, and oil are hot!
  • Donโ€™t skip the olive oil: if baking or air frying the polenta, generously apply olive oil for the crispiest and best results. The amount of oil used plays a big part in the crispiness of the polenta fries!

crispy polenta frita with salt and dried herbs.
crispy polenta frita with salt and dried herbs

FAQ

Can fried polenta be sliced into wedges or rounds?

Yes, you can cut your polenta into any shape youโ€™d like. Cooking time will vary slightly based on how large the slices are.ย 

What is polenta frita?ย 

Polenta frita, polenta fritta, or fried polenta, is a great way to use up leftover cooked polenta. Itโ€™s a popular snack or side dish in both Italian and Brazilian cuisines. The polenta is sliced into rectangles, sticks, rounds, or wedges and can be baked, air-fried, or pan fried until crispy.ย 

Can I air fry polenta?ย 

Yes, polenta can be made in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 425ยฐF or 220ยฐC. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, coat the polenta in olive oil, and cook for 18-22 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip the polenta halfway through cooking.

Where can I find tubed polenta?

Pre-made tubed polenta can be found at your local grocery store. The tubes are usually shelf-stable and are near the other grains. My local supermarket sometimes stores the tubed polenta in the refrigerated section near the tofu.


More Easy Side Dishes, Snacks and Air Fryer Recipes:
Did you make this pan fried, baked, or air fried polenta recipe?
Iโ€™d love to know! Leave a star rating and comment below! 
air fryer polenta frita.

Crispy Fried Polenta (Air Fryer Polenta Frita)

Yield: 2 Cups Polenta Fries
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This easy fried polenta, or polenta frita, has a crispy, crunchy exterior with a savory, salty, almost creamy interior. Bake, air fry or pan fry these super simple crispy polenta fries and serve them with your favorite marinara sauce for an easy snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

  • 1 16 oz tube of pre-cooked polenta, or homemade polenta (ingredients below)
  • 2 tbsp (15g) cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp (17g) all purpose flour
  • ยผ tsp salt, optional
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley or basil
  • ยฝ tsp smoked paprika, optional

Cooking

  • Oil Cooking Spray
  • Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil

Serving

  • Store Bought Marinara, for dipping
  • Fresh Basil, or other herbs chopped rough for garnish

Homemade Polenta

Instructions

Note: how to make homemade polenta is below.

  1. Cut the tube of polenta in half lengthwise. Place the flat side down on the cutting board and cut into 8 long ½” (1.25cm) wide rectangles. Cut the rectangles in half to create ½” x 3” (1.25 x 7.5 cm) rectangles.
  2. Note: you can also slice the polenta into rounds, wedges, triangles or larger rectangles.
  3. In a shallow bowl stir together the cornstarch, flour, salt, garlic powder, dried basil, and any other seasonings you'd like.
  4. Lightly dust or coat the polenta rectangles in the cornstarch mixture. 

Air Fryer:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 425°F or 220°C. 
  2. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Lay the polenta rectangles in the basket in a single layer. 
  3. Spray generously with cooking spray. Then, brush 1-2 tbsp of olive oil on all sides of the polenta. Don’t skip this step- it makes a big difference in the crispiness of the fries!
  4. Air fry in the preheated cavity for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway. The fries should be slightly golden and crispy when done. 
  5. Enjoy the fries hot and fresh out the air fryer. Garnish with fresh basil and dip in your favorite marinara. 

Oven:

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F or 230°C.
  2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Lay the polenta rectangles on the baking sheet in a single layer. 
  3. Spray generously with cooking spray. Then, brush 1-2 tbsp of olive oil on all sides of the polenta Don’t skip this step- it makes a big difference in the crispiness of the fries!
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-26 minutes, flipping halfway. The fries should be slightly golden and crispy when done. 
  5. TIP: if using parchment paper, make sure it is mostly covered with the polenta rectangles. Some brands of parchment will burn at high temperatures if too much surface area is exposed.
  6. Enjoy the fries hot and fresh out of the oven. Garnish with flaky salt, fresh basil and dip in your favorite sauces. 

Stovetop:

  1. Fill a large, deep heavy bottomed pot with ½” of vegetable oil.
  2. Heat the oil to 350°F or 175°C over medium heat 
  3. TIP: It’s the right temperature when small bubbles form around a wooden spoon or chopstick when placed in the oil.
  4. Add the polenta rectangles to the oil in a single layer. Make sure the fries don’t touch each other. Be careful as the polenta may splatter.
  5. Fry 2-3 minutes each side. The fries should have a somewhat ‘bubbled’ exterior and should be slightly golden when ready.
  6. Place the cooked fries on a paper towel lined plate or wire rack to absorb the excess oil.
  7. Enjoy the fries while still hot and fresh. Garnish with fresh basil and dip in your favorite marinara. 

To Make Homemade Polenta:

  1. Bring 3 cups of water or stock to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Once simmering, add the salt and slowly pour the cornmeal in while whisking to prevent clumping. Reduce the heat to low, and cook for 5-10 minutes. Quick cooking polenta should thicken almost immediately and will only need 3-5 minutes. 
  3. Line a 9x9” baking dish with parchment. Pour the cooked polenta in and smooth the top.
  4. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. The polenta should be firm and sliceable when ready.

Notes

  • Cooking time depends on the size of the polenta sticks: the larger the pieces, the longer the polenta will have to cook to get crispy. For polenta rounds or triangles, increase the baking or air frying time for 3-5 minutes.
  • Coat lightly in cornstarch: try not to apply too much cornstarch to the polenta. Too much cornstarch will give the fries a powdery texture.
  • Make sure to preheat the air fryer, oven, or oil: the key to extra crispy fried polenta is making sure the air fryer, oven, and oil are hot!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 205Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 901mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 4g

Nutritional info is an estimate.

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polenta fries in the air fryer.

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